Just 400 metres from the yacht-lined harbour, the family-run Tusker Lodge is 5 minutes’ walk from central Torquay. It has a pretty sun terrace overlooking Torwood Gardens, and boasts free Wi-Fi and free parking on site (reservation needed).

Within walking distance is the coastal path to Beacon Cove, Meadfoot, Hope Cove, Ansteys Cove, Babbacombe Beach and Oddicombe Beach. Tusker Lodge is only a minute’s walk from the Natural History Museum, and Princess Theatre is a 10-minute walk…